Weekend services to honor St. Augustine of Hippo

The annual observance of the Solemnity of St. Augustine of Hippo is planned this weekend at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine. Augustine is the patron of the city that bears his name as well as of the Diocese and Cathedral of St. Augustine.

The Rev. Thomas Willis, pastor of Cathedral Parish, said that First Vespers (Evening Prayer) at 6 p.m. today will begin the cathedral's festive observance of the patronal feast. The Most Rev. Victor Galeone, bishop of St. Augustine, will be the celebrant. This will be followed by the 11th annual Augustinian lecture at 7 p.m. in the Bishop Baker Parish Center.

This year's lecture will be given by Alice Camille, a nationally known Catholic writer and speaker.

Saturday, festal Masses will be celebrated at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Augustine was a bishop of Hippo in North Africa during the fifth century. He is recognized as one of the most profound teachers in the history of Christianity. He died in 430 A.D.

All are invited to join the Cathedral community in these celebrations honoring the patron of the parish, the City of St. Augustine and the Diocese of St. Augustine.

Refreshments will be served following the lecture in the Bishop Baker Center, 259 St. George St.

The lecture series is made possible through a grant from the Cathedral's Bell Tower Gift Shop.